Metro offering free bus, train rides tonight

In an effort to prevent drinking and driving, Metro will offer free rides on buses and trains tonight.

The free rides will be offered from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Metro rail lines and the Orange Line will operate all night on New Year's Eve to encourage safe travel and to get people to use public transit to the Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day, but the free fares will apply only until 2 a.m.

The transit system will operate on a typical Sunday schedule on New Year's Day.

Meanwhile, the Automobile Club of Southern California will offer its free Tipsy Tow service for intoxicated drivers for the 16th year, offering intoxicated motorists and their vehicle a free ride home from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m.

The service, which employs regular auto club-contracted roadside service companies, is available in 13 Southern California counties. It will be available from 6 p.m. today until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

There are some limitations, however: Passengers don't get rides, the service is limited to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and vehicles will only be towed to the driver's residence.

Regular tow service rates apply for any ride longer than seven miles, according to the Auto Club.